Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term that refers to joint pain and inflammation, and can affect any joint in your body. The symptoms caused by arthritis may affect mobility, joint function, and overall quality of life. But with the right care from the experts at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC, you can find relief from your pain so you can get back to doing the things that bring you joy.

What are the types of arthritis?

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some of the most common include:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It’s often referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis because it develops over time as the cartilage that separates your bones begins to wear away, leading to bone-on-bone contact.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys the lining of your joints. If not properly treated, this type of arthritis may lead to the destruction of the bone and deformities.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune disease in which your immune cells attack your joints’ connective tissue, such as cartilage or tendons, leading to the pain and discomfort.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects your spine and can lead to back pain and discomfort. With this type of arthritis, the vertebrae in your spine fuse together, decreasing movement and flexibility.

Lupus, which is an autoimmune disease that can affect any tissue in your body, may also lead to joint pain and arthritis.

What treatments are available for arthritis?

Your specialist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC creates a personalized treatment for your arthritis based on the type of arthritis you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your medical history.

Your treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Physical therapy
• Disease-specific medication

For rheumatoid arthritis, the disease may go into remission when treated early with the right medication.

If you fail to get relief from your joint pain with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the affected joint.

For expert care of your arthritis from a compassionate team, call Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC or schedule an appointment online today.